When your home is due for a new roof, it’s tough to decide what type of roof system you should go with. It seems like there are plenty of pros and cons in all directions. Plus, it’s always tempting to choose the option that costs less, regardless of how much future maintenance and repairs might cost.
What are the main types of roofing systems?
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material for residential homes. They’ve been the standard choice for generations, and most of the homes in your neighborhood probably have them.
These shingles are applied individually with nails onto the wooden structure of the home’s roof, which is a fairly straightforward installation process. Because they’re individually applied, it’s possible to simply replace one shingle or just a few shingles without having to redo the entire roof.
Another type of material that’s gaining in popularity is metal roofing. Metal roofing has technically been around since the 18th century, but has historically been less popular than shingle roofing because the upfront material cost is more expensive.
What are the differences between shingle roofs and metal roofs?
Shingle roofs are built to last for several decades, but are susceptible to strong weather events.
If you live in an area that experiences tornadoes or hurricanes, you’ve probably noticed some shingles flying off of roofs in your neighborhood during heavy winds.
Because shingle roofs are made of many individual shingles applied to the roof structure, there are many more opportunities for water to leak through the material– even if the shingles are applied carefully, there are still small gaps (plus nail holes!) that, over time, could let unwanted water into your home.
Shingle roofs are also fairly heavy. While today’s homes are safely constructed to withstand the weight of a shingle roof, homes experience structural shifts over the course of several decades– and a brand-new shingle roof on a home that’s 50 or 100 years old could cause some structural problems.
Meanwhile, metal roofs are built to last for much longer. In fact, they can last up to 70 years!
They’re also less susceptible to leakage and wind due to their construction– there are far fewer potential gaps and joints to let in water.
Even during the cold winter months, snow tends to easily slide off of metal roofs, while it might gather on shingle roofs– adding weight and the potential for water damage.
Which roofing material is easier to clean and maintain?
Metal roofing systems are made from large sheets of manufactured metal.
Meanwhile, asphalt shingle roofs (depending on the size of your home) are made from 1000+ individual shingles with a rough surface texture.
For that reason, metal roofs are easier to clean and maintain.
What makes a metal roof easier to clean and maintain than a shingle roof?
The ease of care and maintenance for a metal roofing system is simply the result of the materials. A smooth surface is always going to be easier to keep clean than a rough one, and a single piece of material is easier to maintain than a large number of smaller pieces.
Metal roofs also require quite a bit less maintenance than asphalt shingles. Because they’re sturdy and built to last so long, you really shouldn’t have to worry about them regardless of heat, cold, or adverse weather events.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever maintain your metal roof, though. A metal roofing system is still attached to your home with screws, and poorly-installed screws can result in leakage.
You should aim to have a roof expert take a look at your roof roughly once a year, just to make sure all of the joints and materials are holding together the way they should.
Ready to invest in a metal roofing system?
At Metal Roof Pros, we specialize in quality roof installation in addition to care and maintenance. We’ll work closely with you to find the perfect metal roof style for your home’s aesthetic, and install it right the first time to save you time and money for many decades to come.
Give us a call or drop us a line today to get started!